I need a place to live, too.

I had my mind set on just living in my hometown and commuting to school this fall. I was accepted at UMASS Amherst and into their honors college (Commonwealth College). I just found out that there is separate housing options for the honors college students with all kinds of benefits and whatnot. The downside is that it's going to cost buckets of duckets. I already have all my tuition and fees on the house, but this won't be included.

My mother, who usually knows what's best for me, said that I should probably just live there. The environment and the people that I'll be around is almost enough to convince me right now. I won't be anywhere near all the partying college kids, so that'll help me stay focused (not likely, but I like to tell myself this). I would still need a vehicle if I wanted to keep my job here at the bike shop in my hometown. I hate driving. What to do?